Featured Photo: Alaska SeaLife Center
We have an important update on Tyonek, the Cook Inlet beluga that was rescued back in September 2017!
Since he was rescued, Tyonek has been rehabilitating at the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward but it’s time for him to take the next step in his journey and head to Texas!
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) deemed Tyonek would not be able to survive in the wild due to the fact that he was less than a month old when stranded, is nutritionally and socially dependent plus lacks both survival and socialization skills needed to be successful in the wild on his own. Due to these issues, the NOAA deemed him non-releasable.
SeaWorld San Antonio will become the new permanent home for the baby beluga and they could not be more excited to welcome him to the family. SeaWorld Antonio is working closely with the NOAA and the Alaska SeaLife Center to coordinate a safe and speedy transport of Tyonek.
When Tyonek arrived at the Alaska SeaLife Center back in September, he was in critical condition and most did not believe he would survive. In December, however, things started to take a turn for the better and he gained weight, grew longer and his condition improved.
The NOAA chose SeaWorld San Antonio as the permanent home for Tyonek because other belugas of both genders live there which will help with his social development.